Definition of modelnext

model

2 of 3

adjective

model

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun model differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of model are example, exemplar, ideal, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When could example be used to replace model?

The meanings of example and model largely overlap; however, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to model?

The synonyms exemplar and model are sometimes interchangeable, but exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

When might ideal be a better fit than model?

The words ideal and model are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

In what contexts can pattern take the place of model?

Although the words pattern and model have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of model
Noun
This follows an incident where OpenAI models autonomously exploited system flaws, showcasing advanced capabilities. Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Transactions at wholesale clubs that sell consumer goods and services through a membership model can also be done without cash. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
Adjective
While the concept of a model-musician matchup is nothing new, Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel were the blueprint for a covergirl/rockstar pairing in the 1980s. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 21 May 2026 Ackman sees that restructuring as a pivot to a multi-model architecture that can better suit the needs of its enterprise customers. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Verb
Climate risk is difficult to model and plays out over long time-periods. Justin Worland, Time, 18 July 2026 Without someone to introduce the work, answer questions, or model what a career in the field looks like, the specialty fades into the background. Gregory McDonald, STAT, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • As a result, this could cause diminished reproduction cycles for the whales.
    Pat Mueller, USA Today, 20 July 2026
  • Studies show warmer winters have also extended their reproduction period and reduced cold fatalities.
    Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • Even more strikingly, as noted over the weekend by The Wall Street Journal‘s Natasha Khan, the surge in Magic cards is exactly inversely proportional to an equal plunge in doll sales.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026
  • La Palomilla in Mexico City gives guests traditional worry dolls as part of the bedtime routine.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • When families have a little more breathing room, and when businesses are free to invest in new equipment, new ideas, and new jobs, good things tend to happen.
    Kent Strang, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026
  • They are built on years of investment in innovative science, collaboration among researchers and the willingness to fund bold ideas before success is certain.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • For the first official day of the con, SDCC gave us reimaginings of classic tales.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • The classic, beachy dive bar right on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach was a familiar haunt for the Orange County native, but on this random Tuesday afternoon, Turcs was filled with an audience twice the 32-year-old’s age.
    Josh Chesler, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • Many of the injuries displayed rectangular, band-like and patterned characteristics consistent with impact from a belt-like object, Detective Balders wrote.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
  • Today, though, a growing number of online fabric retailers have made sourcing the right print or pattern a cinch.
    Alyssa Longobucco, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Itsy Bitsy Peach is a compact miniature rose, with a mature height of two feet and flowers that change color from peach to orange.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
  • Disney loved miniatures and was an avid collector of the tiny pieces of art.
    Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • However, any moments that would be guaranteed to be grim end up being almost benign, as dead bodies are intact, have strangely unemotional, open-eyed faces, and almost seem like mannequins buried under mud and sand.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Many of the mannequins loom high above us, an army of chic automatons.
    Jed Perl, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The study provides two examples of Paramount using its market power in order to try and change the tax incentive structure in its favor.
    Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Milkweed is just one example of how native plants support a much larger web of life.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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